FOREST PRACTICES BOARD
The Forest Practices Board conducts audits and investigations
and issues public reports on how well industry and government
are meeting the intent of B.C.'s forest practices legislation.
While it does not lay penalties, its recommendations have
led directly to improved forest practices such as stronger
government decision-making processes and better communication
among forestry professionals to manage risks to the environment.
Although other jurisdictions have forest watchdog bodies,
B.C. may be the only one with an arms-length relationship
from government, and a mandate to hold both government
and the forest industry publicly accountable for forestry
practices.
It chooses which operations to audit, and its reports
and findings are published without government revisions
or comments.
By law, the board must audit government and industry
forestry practices, and it must deal with complaints
from the public regarding forest practices and government
enforcement. In addition, it may appeal enforcement
decisions and penalties imposed by government, seek
review of government decisions to approve plans for
forestry operations, and carry out special investigations.
The appointed board members represent a broad range
of expertise and experience in forestry and the environment
from across the province. Its staff of professional
foresters, biologists, accountants and lawyers conduct
the audits and investigations and report to the board,
which makes recommendations to forest companies and
government.
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